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Facebook and Instagram launch ad-free subscription in Europe
Meta now offers users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland a monthly subscription fee to use Facebook and Instagram without ads.
It’s not particularly surprising, but it is pretty exciting: In a decision that could change the way we interact with social media companies, Meta is offering a monthly subscription fee to use Facebook and Instagram without any ads for users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Beginning in November, users will be able to pay €9.99 per month on the web or €12.99 per month on iOS and Android to use Facebook or Instagram without ads, and, while subscribed, their information will not be used for ads. It’s more expensive on iOS and Android because of the app store fees, Meta said in a statement. The subscription will apply to all of your accounts until March 1, 2024 — so if you have a public Instagram account and a finsta, both will be covered under your subscription.
After March 1, 2024, you’ll have to pay an additional €6 per month on the web and €8 per month on iOS and Android for each additional account. There will still be the option to use the services for free and continue to see ads.
“We believe in an ad-supported internet, which gives people access to personalized products and services regardless of their economic status,” Meta said in a statement. “It also allows small businesses to reach potential customers, grow their business, and create new markets, driving growth in the European economy. And like other companies, we’ll continue to advocate for an ad-supported internet, even with our new subscription offering in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. But we respect the spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations, and are committed to complying with them.”
Social media runs on ads — we know this. If Meta can keep you on its platform longer, you’ll see more ads, paying Meta more money, and the cycle continues. Ads likely make Meta more money than a subscription fee ever could, so it’s clear that this change was born from a fight between Meta and legislators, not just a kindness from the social media giant.
This comes amid a years-long battle between EU regulators and Meta due to the company’s data collection practices and the EU’s GDPR, a 2016 law that protects people’s online privacy and data.
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How to watch ‘The Nun II’ — release date, streaming deals, and more
Is the ‘The Nun: II’ streaming yet? Here are the best ways to watch ‘The Nun: II’ on streaming, starting Oct. 27.
Quick links to watch ‘The Nun II’:
BEST OVERALL
Max annual subscription (with ads)
$99.99/year
(save 17%)
(save 17%)
BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS
Max with ads
free for customers on the $60/mo. unlimited plan
(save $9.99/month)
(save $9.99/month)
BEST FOR AT&T CUSTOMERS
Max (with ads)
free for customers on select wireless and internet plans
(save $9.99/month)
(save $9.99/month)
BEST FOR NO ADS
Max annual subscription (Ad-free)
$149.99/year
(save 22%)
(save 22%)
The Nun II — the next chapter in the story of The Nun and the latest in The Conjuring universe — is now on streaming.
While we thought Valak, the evil demon that casually disguises itself as a nun, was defeated at the end of The Nun by Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) and Father Burke (Demian Bichir), that is unfortunately not the case. The Nun II takes place four years later when mysterious deaths begin popping up throughout Europe. Once again, Sister Irene is tasked with taking on Valak and attempting to get rid of them once and for all.
Farmiga is joined again by Jonas Bloquet as Maurice, along with Storm Reid as Sister Debra, Anna Popplewell as Kate, and Bonnie Aarons as the titular demon nun. The film was originally released in theaters on Sept. 8 (and is still in select theaters nationwide) and met with mixed reviews. “The Nun II never quite reaches the terrifying heights of those early Conjuring films, but it does have more creepy moments than its predecessor,” Kimber Myers wrote in Mashable’s own film review.
If you’re looking for jump scares to add to your Halloween watchlist, The Nun II definitely delivers. Get a sneak peek at the sequel in the official trailer below, then read on to learn more about how to watch the newest addition to The Conjuring universe.
Where is The Nun II streaming?
You can still head to select theaters to watch The Nun II on the big screen, but as of Oct. 27, you can also watch the spooky flick from your couch. In order to stream it on the small screen, you’ll have to sign up for Max — HBO’s premium streaming service. Subscriptions start at $9.99/month and there’s currently no free trial, but we’ve rounded up your best options for saving money. Conveniently, every other film in The Conjuring universe (minus The Conjuring 2) is available to stream on Max as well, so you can plan a full movie marathon with a single service (which is more uncommon than you think).
Best Max streaming deals
Best for most people: save 17% on a Max With Ads annual subscription
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Credit: Max
A basic Max subscription with ads will cost you $9.99/month and let you watch The Nun II (as well as other films in The Conjuring universe), then be on your merry way. If you remember to cancel before your month is up, you’ll avoid auto-renewal charges the following month. While this won’t exactly save you any money, it’ll prevent unnecessary spending. If you want more bang for your buck, you can save 17% by signing up for an entire year at once for $99.99. That breaks down to only $8.33/month instead of $9.99 and lets you watch as much as you want all year without worrying about canceling by a certain date.
Best with no ads: save 22% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription
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Credit: Max
For those who can’t stand dealing with ads, you can save even more if you opt for a Max Ad-Free annual subscription. It’s typically $15.99/month for the Ad-Free subscription, but when you sign up for a year instead, it’ll cost you just $149.99 (just $12.49/month). That’s about 22% in total savings and you won’t have to worry about canceling by a certain time to avoid automatic charges each month.
Best for Cricket customers: free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan
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Credit: Cricket / Max
Attention Cricket customers: you can score Max (with ads) for no cost if you’re on the $60/month unlimited plan. Just choose to connect with a provider when you log in to Max and select Cricket to enter your credentials. Then you’re free to stream The Nun II and the rest of the Conjuring films at your leisure. Cricket customers on a different plan can upgrade or change to the $60/month plan to get Max included.
Best for AT&T customers: free Max with ads for select wireless and internet customers
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Credit: AT&T / Max
Existing AT&T customers on select wireless and internet plans are eligible to get Max for free as well. If you haven’t already, go check your account to see if you’re eligible.
The following wireless plans give users access to Max (with ads) for free: AT&T Unlimited Elite, AT&T Unlimited PlusSM, AT&T Unlimited Plus EnhancedSM, AT&T Unlimited ChoiceSM, AT&T Unlimited Choice IISM, AT&T Unlimited Choice EnhancedSM, AT&T Unlimited &MoreSM Premium. Unfortunately, Max is no longer offered to new customers, so if you changed your plan recently or terminate your service, you’ll lose access.
If you purchased AT&T Fiber Internet 1000, 2000, or 5000 within specific date ranges, you also receive access to Max at no extra charge. The promotion ended on June 5, 2022, so if you’ve moved your service or changed your plan since then, your Max benefit is no longer valid. You can learn more about eligibility over on the AT&T Max Sign-in FAQ page.
Other ways to watch The Nun II
If you don’t want to subscribe to yet another streaming service, you also have the option to rent or purchase The Nun II digitally at the following retailers:
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Amazon Prime Video — rent it for $17.74, buy it for $22.74
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Vudu — rent it for $19.99, buy it for $24.99
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Apple TV+ — rent it for $19.99, buy it for $24.99
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YouTube — rent it for $19.99, buy it for $24.99
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